Welsh broadcaster Owain Wyn Evans has suffered a knee injury just hours into his BBC Children in Need fundraising challenge. The Radio 2 presenter is attempting the greatest distance ever covered in a Radio 2 fundraising challenge, pedalling nearly 400 miles over five days.
The challenge began in Glasgow on Monday (November 9) and will take Owain through Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and Wales, finishing in central Cardiff on Friday (November 13), ahead of Children in Need's live appeal on BBC One. Along the route, he will pass Scotland's rugged coastline, Northern Ireland's green landscapes, the wild weather of the North West of England, and the rolling hills of Wales.
Knee injury revealed on BBC Breakfast
Speaking to BBC Breakfast hosts Jon Kay and Emma Vardy on Tuesday (November 10), Owain revealed the injury. Asked how his legs were, he said: "Aw listen, receiving you loud and clear. The legs are alright, Emma. I have got a bit of a dodgy knee today. This happened last night, because we did a really steep climb just before we got to the ferry port."
He added: "We're actually on one of our climbs today now, the first of the really long climbs. So, the legs are okay, but at the moment, the knee, actually, the knee is not okay."
Jon Kay expressed concern, saying: "Oh no," before asking whether the knee was causing pain. Owain replied: "Um I think, I'm the definition, Jon, of all the gear, no idea, you know. So, it kind of looks okay, looks good, but I'm just trying to get through this. It's a 400 mile challenge, which is a lot for someone like myself, who hadn't cycled, like I was saying to you both yesterday morning, since I was 14. Yeah, we're getting there."
Support from fans and listeners
Owain spoke warmly about the support he has received on the road, saying: "Aw the support, Emma, has been amazing. People are passing, people have been listening to Radio 2 and hearing us, and beeping as they come past. Yesterday, there were just so many people out wishing us well, and also, texting into Radio 2 and donating as well."
He added: "That's what keeps you going, and of course, [is] why we're doing it. Children in Need is an amazing charity, we're so lucky to have it." Reflecting on the length of the ride, Owain said he expects "the injuries to start piling up", but is hoping for dry weather to boost his spirits.
Since starting the challenge, Owain has received an outpouring of support on social media. One person wrote on Instagram: "So much respect for this man." Another said: "Yayyy go Owain [clapping emojis] you'll smash today as well. Have fun." A third added: "You can do this Owain. Good luck and may the wind be behind you to help you up those hills."
BBC Children in Need will air at 7pm on BBC One and iPlayer on Friday, November 13, while BBC Breakfast airs daily on BBC One at 6am.
